Formula 1’s new engine regulations continue to divide the paddock. Following Max Verstappen’s virulent criticism, a former driver of the discipline is now giving him significant support.
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During the winter testing preceding the 2026 season, Max Verstappen did not mince his words about the new energy rules introduced in Formula 1. The four-time world champion notably denounced a technological shift which, according to him, moves away from the very DNA of the discipline.
With the new generation of engines, power is now split equally between the internal combustion engine and electric energy. This evolution imposes much stricter energy management, including in qualifying, which has deeply annoyed the Red Bull driver.
“These rules are anti-racing, it’s like Formula E on steroids” he had said, pointing to a philosophy that he believes moves away from F1’s primary goal : driving as fast as possible.
Several drivers shared some of these concerns after the first Grand Prix of the season held in Australia. But the race winner, George Russell, reacted with irony by suggesting that the criticism would likely disappear if those complaining were leading the race.
Sébastien Buemi understands the frustration
In this debate already animating the paddock, Sébastien Buemi has clearly taken a stand in favor of Verstappen. A Formula E champion and former Formula 1 driver between 2009 and 2011, the Swiss believes that some criticisms are perfectly legitimate.
“Yes, I totally understand” he explains when asked about the Dutchman’s position.
Buemi points above all to a specific point which, in his view, radically changes the nature of qualifying in Formula 1.
“What is strange is starting a qualifying lap without being able to go flat out from start to finish. In Formula E, in qualifying, you go flat out without worrying about energy.”
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According to him, energy management has its place in the race, but much less during a flying lap supposed to represent pure performance.
“It’s one thing to manage energy in the race, where it adds a strategic variable for the team and the driver. But having to also manage this variable in qualifying, I totally understand his remark that it is no longer as pure as Formula 1 has always been.”
A more complex Formula 1 for drivers
Beyond simple energy management, the new single-seaters introduced in 2026 also require a very different driving style. Smaller, lighter and with less aerodynamic downforce, they force drivers to adapt constantly.
Buemi notably highlights the increased importance of energy recovery and the different engine modes to be managed during a lap.
“You have to activate the straight-line mode much more often than the DRS before, and you have to manage the battery much more. You have to manage the entry speed into corners, because sometimes you recover more energy, sometimes less. There can be up to 40 km/h difference at the entry of a corner, so you have to constantly adapt.”
For the former Toro Rosso driver, one thing is now clear : energy management has become a central factor in performance in Formula 1.
“It’s not easy for the drivers, and energy management is much more important than it has ever been in Formula 1. Whether you like it or not, it is now a determining factor.”
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